Ho Chi Minh City Warning or Danger Tips by Johnny_CA

As I was about to board my departing flight, the Vietnamese immigration agent asked for my inbound immigration pass. I somehow misplaced it and the agent said that there was a 'fee' for a new form. While I contemplated paying the bribe, he mumbles my last name, which is Vietnamese and I could make out "trouble....trouble" as if to instill fear and panick so that I would pay the bribe without question. I decided to pay the US$10 bribe to get a new form instead of going through any more hassle. What's funny is right after paying my bribe, he carefully puts the money between sheets of papers (not directly in his pockets) and walks away to another room. I am sure he was going to stash the money somewhere in case I squealed on him. This guy was experienced. My suggestion to other travelers in this type of position, if you have sometime on your hand, challenge the guy. Tell no, you won't pay the bribe and ask him where you need to go to resolve your problem. I am sure if you are ascertive, the guy may let you through without bringing too much attention to himself.

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